German-speaking agriculture ministers, alongside Luxembourg’s Minister Martine Hansen, convened at Biohaff Steichen on Wednesday – an unconventional organic farm in Luxembourg that challenges traditional practices. Their shared focus: addressing the critical shortage of young farmers across Europe.
“The challenge is universal. We must make farming an attractive profession again,” stated Hansen. While Luxembourg’s 16% youth farmer rate exceeds the EU average (10%), it trails behind Liechtenstein’s 28%. To incentivise new entrants, Luxembourg offers up to 40% investment support for farm startups, with an additional 15% for young farmers.
The host farm exemplifies this vision. Michel Steichen transitioned from conventional pig farming to establish Luxembourg’s sole organic pig operation, raising nearly 1,000 animals under high-welfare conditions northwest of Ettelbruck.
Visitors adhere to strict biosecurity protocols – including specialised clothing and device disinfection – to prevent disease transmission like African swine fever. Steichen’s pigs enjoy triple the space of conventional farms and free indoor/outdoor access, despite their short lifespan of just six months.
“This is the ideal solution,” Steichen emphasised: “Yes, it’s costlier and labour-intensive, but the animal welfare standards are unmatched.” His primary client, La Provençale, supplies institutional canteens, with retail availability at Cactus supermarkets beginning this September.
The farm’s success aligns with broader trends: declining meat consumption and rising organic demand.
